THE HOLY month of Ramadan is nearing its completion and Muslims across the world are preparing to celebrate the occasion of Eid-Ul-Fitr. Eid is considered one of the most significant celebrations of the Muslim community. The pious occasion of Ramadan or Ramzan began on March 22 and is celebrated for around 29 to 30 days after the moon sighting.
Eid-Ul-Fitr marks the culmination of 30 days of Ramadan and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and jubilation. It is usually observed on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month in the Islamic calendar, after the appearance of the new moon. However, the date for Eid-Ul-Fitr might differ based on the moon sighting in various parts of the globe. It is a pious time of forgiveness, harmony and togetherness. It lets people reflect on their past deeds and practice donations and remember the Almighty.
Date Of Eid-Ul-Fitr
The exact date of Eid-ul-Fitr in Kerala and Kashmir, along with other parts of the world largely depends on the moon sighting. Interestingly, the dates may differ due to regional variations and moon-sighting timings.
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Eid-Ul-Fitr in Kerala is celebrated a day before the rest of the parts of the country, as the moon sighting committee in Kerala adheres to the traditional Islamic calendar and waits for the actual sighting of the moon. Kerala is the only state in India that follows the moon timings of Saudi Arabia for the Eid-Ul-Fitr date. As per the official website, this year, the festival will be observed in Kerala on April 21.
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Meanwhile, in Kashmir, the Eid-Ul-Fitr date is determined by the grand mufti of the state which is authorised to declare the beginning of the festival based on moon sighting.
Muslims also observe the Night or Power or Laylat-Al-Qadar, which is known as the sacred night in the Islamic calendar. The exact date for this holy night is also not exactly known but it is believed to occur during the last ten nights of Ramadan, specifically on an odd-numbered night, such as the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th night of the Holy month.
The celebrations of Eid-Ul-Fitr include prayers followed by a sermon after dawn. Wearing new clothes, enjoying delicacies, and giving Zakat or alms, the festival is celebrated and grand festivities take place. Children receive special gifts and money from elders, which is known as Eidi.